Frequently Asked Questions

• What happens if, after completing the application form, I find that I will be moving to a different area?
• What provision is made for students from non-government schools?
• What can I do to prepare my child for the Opportunity Class Placement Test?
• What happens if my child gets sick on the day of the test?
• If my outcome letter indicates that my child is unsuccessful, can his or her name be placed on a reserve list?
• Do children from opportunity classes automatically get into selective high schools when they reach Year 7?
• If my child is unsuccessful for opportunity class placement, should I cancel my plans to apply for selective high school entry in the future?
• What does the Opportunity Class Placement Test tell me about my child’s performance?

Before the opportunity class selection committees meet in September you should write to the Unit with your new address. The Unit will forward your application to the appropriate committee. If you write after the selection committees have met, your application may need to be referred to an appeals panel and will be considered subject to your child's academic merit and the availability of places.

The selection procedures are exactly the same for all children. However, these students will be zoned according to their residential address.

Because it is an ability test, coaching or practice is not likely to help very much. Students will be given practice questions before the test begins. If you want to give your child additional help, practice with the past tests on this website or with any type of multiple choice questions will increase familiarity with the format and techniques.

You should contact the Unit immediately and ask for an Illness/Misadventure Form. The form should be returned to the Unit, together with evidence of your child's illness, whether or not he or she attempted the test. The selection committee will then consider the illness/misadventure claim as part of the application. It is generally better to attempt the test than to miss it. Children who miss out on the test may be considered on their moderated school assessment scores or, if these are not available, on any alternative evidence submitted.

No. Three key words or phrases are used in outcome letters: 'offer', 'reserve list' and 'unsuccessful'. Selection committees decide the children who will receive offers and those who will be placed on the reserve (waiting) list. These children have higher scores than those who are unsuccessful.

There is no automatic entry into selective high schools. Children from opportunity classes must compete with all other candidates for entry to selective high schools.

The entry requirements for opportunity class placement and selective high school placement can vary significantly. Moreover, there is scope for improvement in the ability and performance of students over the two years between application for opportunity class and selective high school placement. There are more places in selective high schools than there are in opportunity class.

The Opportunity Class Placement Test is designed to help identify students for entry into opportunity classes on the basis of academic merit. It is not meant to identify the student's strengths and weaknesses in English language or mathematics performance. The student's primary school is in a far better position to advise you on your child's performance in these areas.